US citizens should reconsider visiting Turkey to avoid arbitrary detentions - State Dept.

US citizens should reconsider plans to visit Turkey because government security forces continue to jail innocent Americans for political reasons, the State Department said in a travel alert.

"Under the State of Emergency, security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including US citizens, suspected of affiliation with alleged terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated," the release said on Thursday. "US citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey."

The advisory also warned US citizens not to travel to areas along Turkey’s border with Syria because Westerners are being targeted by terrorist groups.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, especially targeting tourist locations, local government buildings and places of worship, the release added.